About Graduate Studies in Education at Wittenberg University

Wittenberg University's graduate program is designed for select numbers of practicing P-12 teachers. The goal of the program is to develop teacher leaders who can improve instructional practices through research and reflection and who are both willing and able to share their professional knowledge with colleagues. The program expressly fosters the habits of inquiry necessary to investigate programmatic options directly affecting student learning. Graduates will be required to complete a substantial research effort which has relevance to classroom needs.

Graduate work at Wittenberg will offer distinct advantages. A recent review of exemplary teacher preparation programs emphasized the way many schools like Wittenberg focus on inquiry in powerfully integrated and multi-disciplinary ways. Liberal arts graduate programs in education tend to involve teachers in continual reflection about all of the considerations which impact upon classroom performance -- personal philosophy, the developmental and social needs of students, and understandings of curriculum and pedagogy. Smaller and more focused programs are able to craft coherent and developmentally appropriate course offering, form adaptive relationships with local school systems, and involve the talents of content specialists. Correspondingly, Wittenberg's program builds upon the expertise of education faculty in the areas of pedagogy, curriculum, and social foundations. It is structured to incorporate the expertise of arts and science faculty. Finally, through partnerships formed with local school systems, it provides a vehicle to develop courses closely tied to the emerging needs and interests of practicing teachers.

For additional information, please contact the Education Department at 937-327-6417 or the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Roberta Linder at 937-327-6342 or by email: rlinder@wittenberg.edu.